Liberians in the U.S. Will Soon Face the Threat of Deportation

An article in today’s Washington Post addresses the issue of Liberians living in the United States under TPS (Temporary Protected Status). This status will expire in October, so leaving the many Liberians residing in the U.S. vulnerable to deportation. Although the fighting in Liberia came to an end in 2003, water and electricity are scarce, unemployment is around 85%, the average life expectancy is 39 years, and out of the 3.4 million people in Liberia only 26 are practicing doctors. So although the United States has determined the country to be “stable”, most believe that Liberia remains unsafe. For now, Liberians in the United States are hoping that legislation put forward by Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.) will pass; this bill would grant permanent residency to Liberians in the U.S.

Despite continuing controversy over U.S. immigration policy, granting Liberians in the U.S. permanent residency status is consistent with U.S. ideology and is not vulnerable to the same criticisms often put forth in the immigration debate. Liberians living in the U.S. under TPS are here legally, have contributed to society by paying taxes and working, and have built a life here for themselves and often for their children, some of which were born here and are American citizens. Should these people really be forced to return to an unstable and unsafe country? —A country founded by freed slaves and used by the U.S. to operate bases during WWII and the Cold War.

Perhaps what this situation really does is highlight the problems surrounding the TPS designation. Who decides when the country in question is safe enough to return to? How can people in the U.S. under TPS establish a life here if they constantly face possible termination of their TPS? Until a better program is designed, however, the Liberians here under TPS must be allowed to stay.

Cat Zweig
ADA Legislative Intern